2020 became a non-traditional year in film. However, we had a few actors who stood out and a few actors we want to see more of going into the new year. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on the film industry mirroring its impacts across all arts sectors. Across the world and to varying degrees, cinemas and movie theaters have been closed, festivals have been cancelled or postponed, and film releases have been moved to future dates or delayed indefinitely. Due to cinemas and movie theaters closing, the global box office has dropped by billions of dollars, and streaming has become more popular, while the stock of film exhibitors has also dropped dramatically. Many blockbusters originally scheduled to be released between March and November have been postponed or canceled around the world, with film productions also halted.
The good news is, we have long anticipated films set to be released in 2021 such as Coming to America and The Black Messiah. We are excited. We have a lot of good talent who is set to take over your airwaves in 2021.
While we absolutely adore our beloved A-listers, we see a new team of A-listers on the horizon. That being said, I present you our list of the Top 10 Actors to Watch in 2021!
Trinity Whiteside: This charming heartthrob melted hearts in BET’s Hit Series “Tyler Perry Sistas” as “Rodeo” aka “Preston Horace” as Danielle King’s love interest, played by Mignon Von. The North Carolina native got his big break on 2018’s film “Nobody’s Fool” then Netflix thriller; “A Fall from Grace” catching the attention of Tyler Perry. Whiteside immediately became a fan favorite. We had the pleasure of speaking with the actor, who’s personality os much like his loving character on “Sistas” when asked about that, he replied; “ There’s definitely some Trinity in Preston as far as his understanding, his caring, his innocence, and things of that nature. That’s about as far as it goes because Trinity and Preston couldn’t be more different as far as you know their lifestyle, their interests, the way they dress, the way they carry themselves; and Trinity would never wear cowboy boots or a cowboy hat, or anything of that nature, lol.” said Whitesaid. Rodeo or the red carpet we expect to see more of his handsome face on our screen in 2021. Thanks Tyler!
KJ Smith: Another Tyler Perry beauty who has been gracing our screens for years. We expect the lovely KJ Smith to step into the forefront as Hollywood’s latest “IT” girl. KJ Smith is a multifaceted US actor renowned for portraying strong female characters. As the modern day Dominique Devereux, Smith has nailed roles in Queen Sugar and Netflix hit “Fatal Affair. She is currently dominating the role of Attorney Andi Barnes who is a powerhouse attorney in love with seemingly the wrong man on BET’s Hit Show “Sistas”. I had the pleasure to speaking with Smith at the Sistas premier in Chicago and she assured us she is staying busy and we are absolutely here for it! We expect to see more of KJ in 2021.
Alex R. Hibbert: The Chi Actor learned quickly how to take a role and own it! That’s why he’s on our list for people to watch in 2021. The young actor caught our attention in the Academy Award winning movie Moonlight as well as Black Panther, he’s making noise as Kevin on HBO’s hit show “The Chi”. Staying grounded in school and in his books, Hibbert is certainly one to watch in 2021.
Storm Reid: is set to star in upcoming film Suicide Squad. The 17 year old actress is no rookie. Her early film roles include appearing in the period drama film 12 Years a Slave and the superhero film Sleight. She had her breakthrough with the fantasy film A Wrinkle in Time, for which she received Teen Choice Award and NAACP Image Award nominations. he has since appeared in the thriller film Don’t Let Go (2019), for which her performance was praised, the Netflix miniseries When They See Us (2019), and the horror film The Invisible Man(2020). She currently appears in the HBO drama series Euphoria (2019–present). Her impressive rooster of films makes her one to watch in 2021.
Crystal Fox: The 56 year old Capricorn actress is truly one to watch. This beauty has been making waves since 1989 as she made her big screen debut playing Katie Bell in the Academy Award-winning comedy-drama film Driving Miss Daisy (1989) starring veterans Morgan Freeman and Jessica Tandy. She later joined the cast of NBC police drama series “In the Heat of the Night “in its third season, playing Luann Corbin. In addition to her role on Tyler Perry’s “The Have and the Have Not’s, Fox put the world on notice in her incredible role on Netflix’s hit series “A Fall from Grace” (2020). She has acting reach and we want more of The Fox in 2021.
Tessa Thompson: Tessa made her first television appearance when she starred in the CBS series “Cold Case” (2003). She is the daughter of singer-songwriter Marc Anthony Thompson of the New York-based band “Chocolate Genius”, and the granddaughter of actor-musician Bobby Ramos. Discovered in 2002 while walking down the streets of LA, Thompson has landed some very notable roles. Thompson gained favorable critical notice for her performances in the comedy-drama “Dear White People” (2014), as civil rights activist Diane Nash in the historical drama Selma (2014), and as Bianca Taylor in the sport drama films Creed (2015) and Creed II (2018). She gained mainstream recognition for her starring role as Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero films “Thor: Ragnarok” (2017) and “Avengers: Endgame “(2019). Starring as Sylvie, in 2020’s “Sylvie’s Love” where she serves also as Executive Producer. We are anticipating her return to screen in late 2021 as Irene Redfield in film “Passing” Thompson is leaving us wanting more in 2021.
Halle Bailey: Not only is she busy working on films, this beauty dropped an album with her sister this year that rocked the charts. discovered by Beyoncé, who became their mentor and later signed them to her label, Parkwood Entertainment. They subsequently released the EP Sugar Symphony (2016) and the mixtape The Two of Us (2017).The duo gained further prominence after starring in the sitcom “Grown-ish” (2018–present) and releasing their debut album The Kids Are Alright (2018), for which they earned two Grammy Award nominations including Best New Artist. In 2020, they released their second studio album “Ungodly Hour”, which earned them another three Grammy Award nominations. The album’s lead single “Do It” became the duo’s first song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. Mentored by Queen Bey, you are destined for greatness. Bailey is also confirmed to play Ariel in Disney’s upcoming film “The Little Mermaid”.
Ryan Destiny: Beauty, actress, singer and songwriter. While she had been working in the music industry since childhood, Destiny first rose to fame as a member of the girl-group Love Dollhouse in 2013. Destiny is best known for her role in the Fox TV musical drama Star. In November 2019 it was announced that Destiny was cast to play Claressa Shields in “Flint Strong”, a Universal Pictures biopic written by Barry Jenkins and directed by Rachel Morrison. Destiny currently has a recurring role on season 3 of “Grown-ish” as Jillian, a transfer student from Spelman College. This triple threat is showing no signs of slowing down and we look forward to seeing more in 2021.
LeToya Luckett: Song Writer, Grammy Winner, Actress, and Certified BOSS! LeToya Luckett has been making you leave ya man at home and more since 1997 with the widely successful group Destiny’s Child. We got a dose of LeToya in Preacher’s Kid but we fell in love with her on hit show “Single Ladies” but she showed her acting reach on OWN’s hit show “Greenleaf’ as man eater Rochelle Cross. We also love watching her on “T.I. & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle”. Luckett-Walker is also a philanthropist, She visits schools to motivate and encourage children to study and to further their education after graduation. She also speaks on the subject of violence and domestic abuse. The new mommy and hubby Tommicus Walker welcomed her latest addition, their son, Tysun Wolf Walker, on September 14, 2020. We are here for LeToya and the 2021 glow-up!
Daniel Kaluuya: Get Out, Black Panther, Queen and Slim, Shoot the Messenger, Widows and NOW, The Black Messiah! If you’ve been sleeping on Daniel Kaluuya, I’m sure you are awake now. I personally think he is the next Denzel Washington. Kaluuya is undoubtedly the newest Hollywood IT guy! He has mastered every role he was given and his acting ability knows no reach. The British actor and writer. Kaluuya began his career as a teenager in improvisational theatre. He subsequently appeared in the first two seasons of the British television series Skins, in which he co-wrote some of the episodes. Bringing his talent to the US Kaluuya is showing no signs of slowing down. With the latest film “The Black Messiah” already creating buzz, I predict another trip to the Academy Awards and even greater things in 2021.
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